Kennedy Center Honors 2019: From 'Sesame Street' to Linda Ronstadt's tribute, here are top 5 moments fans loved
Celebrating arts icons as a "reflection of America," the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors recognized 'Sesame Street', actress Sally Field, musician Michael Tilson Thomas, singer Linda Ronstadt and the band, Earth Wind & Fire. Calling it an "amazing" show, many music lovers took to Twitter to share their thoughts after watching the prestigious awards.
"If you’re not watching the #KennedyCenterHonors then you’re missing out on some amazing talent," one fan tweeted out and another one wrote, "#KennedyCenterHonors were off the chain. @sesamestreet to @EarthWindFire...that's heaven right there." In case you skipped the show, here are the highlights and the top five moments fans can't stop talking about. "The #KennedyCenterHonors makes me cry! Such great talent paying tribute to the honorees ... touching flashbacks, kind words, great performances. Loving it all!" one wrote.
'Sesame Street' becomes first TV program to be honored
'Sesame Street' is the first TV show to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and fans cannot control their emotions as it brought them to tears.
"#SesameStreet being honored on #KennedyCenterHonors is about ten years overdue. Awesome they have the original creators in the balcony. But 98% of the real creative force have all since passed, sadly," one fan posted and another wrote, "A great children’s TV show running for 50 years. Let’s all congratulate #SesameStreet for their #KennedyCenterHonors award."
Trisha Yearwood and Carrie Underwood pay tribute to Linda Ronstadt
Honoring Linda, Don Henley said, "Linda owned each and every genre she explored." Later Carried Underwood took to center stage and performed a medley of Linda's hits which included 'When Will I Be Loved.' Trisha Yearwood also performed several of her songs and many fans argued she did it better. Overall, it made music lovers immensely emotional to see their beloved artiste being recognized.
"Watching @KCHonors & tears watching @trishayearwood & @aaronneville perform the huge hit "Don't Know Much" in honor of #LindaRonstadt. Linda, you are LOVED. That much I know. God bless you," one fan wrote and another said, "Please tell me I'm not the only one who cried through the entire Linda Ronstadt portion of the Kennedy Center Honors. I'm a mess."
John Legend pays tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire by performing 'Can't Hide Love'
The first artiste who paid a tribute to the musical group, Earth, Wind & Fire, was John Legend, who took to the stage and performed a stunning rendition to their song, 'Can't Hide Love'. Spellbound by his performance, fans said he channeled his inner Maurice and did justice to the song.
"Earth Wind and Fire is one of my fav bands. @johnlegend did them proud. #KennedyCenterHonors," one fan wrote and another said, "@johnlegend is the voice extraordinaire. #KennedyCenterHonors."
Audra McDonald’s radiant performance in salute to Michael Tilson Thomas
Audra McDonald sang some 'Porgy & Bess' numbers to pay tribute to Michael Tilson Thomas and floored everyone in the audience.
"Michael Tilson-Thomas isn't talked about in the mainstream anymore, but he's really the Bernstein of the last 40 years. His interpretations of Gershwin's works are the most definitive of anybody's. #KennedyCenterHonors," one fan posted and another said, "Son just mentioned he met Michael Tilson Thomas. He complimented my child about his piano playing. CONGRATULATIONS, MTT & thank you for encouraging the next generation! #KennedyCenterHonors."
Sally Field
Adding to the illustrious list of two Oscars, three Emmys, two Golden Globes, and a SAG award, Sally Field was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Actor Tom Hanks told Paula Reid that Sally Field's body of work has grown in "the most impressive way than any actor in Hollywood."
"#KennedyCenterHonors #LindaRondstadt #SallyField you are my inspiration as an actress and artist #utterlyequisitelyalive," one fan wrote and another posted, "I just adore @sally_field so much! Plus she was so sweet when I got to meet her. Such a wonderful actress & lady. #KennedyCenterHonors."
Kennedy Center Honors were telecasted on CBS at 8 pm ET on December 15 and a preview special aired on CBSN at 7 pm ET.